Castlevania: Belmont's Curse marks the series' return after a decade-long absence, developed by Evil Empire, the studio behind the roguelike Dead Cells and its Castlevania DLC. Konami has entrusted the French team with revitalizing the franchise, a task they approach with notable confidence.
The game introduces Rose, the daughter of protagonists Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades. Afflicted by a curse from Dracula, Rose travels to a monster-ravaged Paris to confront the vampire lord. Marketing director Bérenger Dupré explained that the narrative explores the interaction between two generations of Belmonts, focusing on legacy, mentorship, and introducing a new female lead.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse adopts a search-action, or Metroidvania, structure. Unlike Dead Cells, it eschews roguelike or roguelite elements in favor of non-linear exploration. Progress is tied to discovering items and abilities, a design choice intended to encourage a deeper engagement with the game's sprawling levels. Lead designer Sandro Bordier stated that level design aims to provide player agency through subtle nudges, clues, and collectibles, building player engagement while supporting the overall map structure. Dupré added that this emphasis on mystery aligns with Castlevania's established atmosphere.
The game features visually striking 2.5D levels with vibrant colors and impressive lighting, set against painted 3D models for characters and enemies. Early impressions highlight a stunning parallax background of burning Paris upon the player's arrival.
A preview build showcased a boss fight against The Fallen, a sewer-dwelling monster. Upon defeat, Rose absorbs the creature's soul, gaining access to new abilities and, crucially, the Vampire Killer whip. This whip becomes a central tool for both combat and traversal, allowing for agile movement and unique attack opportunities. Dupré acknowledged the challenge of balancing fast-paced action, influenced by Dead Cells, with the deliberate exploration required in a Metroidvania.
Evil Empire is aware of the pressure associated with reviving a beloved series like Castlevania. Dupré noted the internal diversity of fan expectations, from classic series veterans to newcomers, making it difficult to satisfy everyone while pursuing a cohesive vision for Belmont's Curse. Bordier expressed excitement about the creative freedom offered by the Castlevania IP, citing possibilities like making Joan of Arc a boss character.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse appears to be a confident return to form for the series, demonstrating the team's passion and careful consideration of fan expectations. The developers aim to balance the series' legacy with fresh ideas, with early impressions suggesting a successful revival. ! Rose using her whip to swing through the level in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse